US News

• The Supreme Court declines to hear the appeal of a man who was beat by police officers while standing on his front porch. The 6th Court of Appeals granted the cops qualified immunity. [Link]
• South Korea will increase its payment for US soldiers deployed to South Korea by 14%. [Link]

Great Power

• Germany wants to issue joint sanctions against Russia and China with the US. [Link]
• Russia says it is concerned by the US plans for cyber attacks. [Link]
• Biden will meet Friday with the leaders of the other Quad countries. [Link]
• The head of US Indo-Pacific Command says the US needs land-based forces in the region to combat China. [Link]
• The US and China are working on a plan for high-level talks in Alaska. [Link]

Afghanistan

• Senator Bob Menendez – Chair of the Foreign Relations Committee – said the US may keep troops in Afghanistan beyond May 1st because the Taliban are failing to live up to the agreement. [Link]

Iran

• Senators Menendez and Graham circled a letter that called on Biden to use sanctions to confront Iran. The letter further undermines the Iran Nuclear Deal. [Link]
• Over a hundred members so the House – 70 D and 70 R – sign a letter calling for a more comprehensive deal with Iran. The letter implies the members do not want to return to the JCPOA. [Link]
• Biden places sanctions on two Iranians. [Link] 

Bahrain

• Human Rights Watch reports Bahrain police detained 13 children to prevent protests. The HRW reports claims the children were tortured and threatened with rape. [Link]